Why Make Aliyah

For a Jew, there is no better place than Israel.

Roughly 15 years ago I made a personal decision to leave the comfortable lifestyle and familiar surroundings of America in order to settle down and build my life in Israel.

As important as this decision was, it had nothing to do with any negative feelings that I had towards the US. In fact, just the opposite is true and most of my memories of life in America are very positive. From childhood vacations in the Lake George region of upstate New York, to a couple of cross-country ventures in my mid-20s, to a few years of life in the middle of New York City, I can honestly say that the United States is really one incredible, beautiful country. Furthermore, the variety of quality choices and lifestyles that are available in an enormous country of nearly 300 million residents truly makes settling down in America such an attractive option.

Nonetheless, despite all the wonderful things that can be said about America, I would not trade for a second the life that I have built in Israel. Moreover, I am 100% convinced that there is no place in the world that is potentially more suitable for a Jew to live than in the Land of Israel. To someone living outside of Israel this may sound like quite a bombastic declaration, but nonetheless this does not detract from the veracity of the statement.

The problem is the chicken and the egg factor. Only by living here and experiencing the reality of life in Israel can one honestly come to such an internal realization. Thus, to a Jew who still lives outside of Israel, it is only natural that such a statement will be somewhat incomprehensible or perhaps even irritating.

Nonetheless, I would like to present a short list of positive reasons for a Jew to consider building a life in Israel:

1. Percentage-wise the best chance to find a Jewish spouse is in Israel.

2. Statistically the lowest rate of intermarriage is in Israel.

3. Within a few short hours one can hike in the desert, swim in the Mediterranean, ski on the Hermon or float in the Dead Sea.

4. Jewish holidays are a natural part of the lifecycle here.

5. There is no Christmas shopping season in Israel.

6. The cost of Jewish education in Israel is a fraction of the cost in the US.

7. In Israel there is a feeling of "home" for the Jewish people.

8. Israel is the only Jewish country in the world. There are no others.

9. In Israel a Jew does not have to integrate into a non-Jewish society.

10. Although like any country there are many problems and issues, at least they are our problems and issues.

11. Mitzvah observance and their significance take on a whole different meaning in the Land of Israel.

12. There is only one Jerusalem in the whole world and it is here, in the Land of Israel.

13. After a few thousand years, Hebrew, the language of the Prophets, is once again heard throughout the Land of Israel.

14. Israel boasts the fastest growing Jewish population in the world.

15. After a long respite of nearly 2,000 years, Israel is once again the physical and spiritual center of the Jewish people.

16. History is literally unfolding here in front of our eyes. All that has transpired here during such a relatively short time period is nothing short of mind-boggling. As such, there is an incredible and unique opportunity available to any Jew throughout the world to come to Israel and to actually have an impact on the shaping of history.

In summary, the greatest potential for a Jew to be in tune with his real self, to live his life according to his true inner voice, is here in the Land of Israel. In this respect there is absolutely no comparison to anywhere else in the world. As great as America might be, and I say this as a former American who has nothing but fond memories of the US, the best home for a Jew is in the Land of Israel. It's really that simple.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 31

(25)
Lisa,
June 9, 2012 6:03 PM

What about converts?

What if someone has converted to Judaism & although has no blood line wishes to make ayliah?

Jeff,
June 22, 2012 1:51 AM

Converts can make aliyah

I converted in the American Conservative Movement in 2008 and then made aliyah later that year. You're supposed to wait a year after conversion to make aliyah, but I had an exception made for me in order for me to participate in a specific absorption program.

(24)
Ariel Levi,
February 21, 2011 8:39 PM

Making Aliyah but not residing

Due to the rise of antisemitism in France, I was planning on making Aliyah, but actually not residing Israel, and just obtain my Israel citizenship, lest the day France became too unsafe, I had a home of my own. Is it possible to make Aliyah without residing in Israel initially?

Anonymous,
June 15, 2013 6:59 AM

The only way this could remotely be possible is at the time of your birth at least one of your parents was an Israeli citizen! Otherwise, no it is not possible. You may claim alyiah the moment you land there and sometimes paperwork can be done so you are a citizen upon arrival, but otherwise No! And you must live there for at least a year after your alyiah to get a passport! If you received any assistance in your alyiah, you must stay a minimum of three years... If that answers your question...

(23)
Danielle,
December 12, 2010 11:00 PM

missing on jewish life here in US

I would be happy if we made aliah, but we are financially well off here in US. I am missing on real Jewish life and anti-semitism of current american leaders is very frustrating. We are going to wait a couple of years when our baby grows and who knows someday will be living in a land of Jewish people.

Josh,
August 24, 2014 1:07 AM

You will always be able to find reasons not to make Aliya. There is never a perfect time to do it. If it's ever going to happen then you need to make it happen overlooking these challenges

(22)
David,
August 1, 2010 10:38 AM

Proving Jewishness

Insight would be valued and most appreciated, please, into:
1. How one proves, genetically, that one is a Jew? What if one's own extended family is itself rather diasporic, and complete documentation is hard to obtain? How would one fare if able only to present a birth certificate of one's mother with a very Jewish surname?
2. What, please, is the correct or recommended procedure for making Aliyah, if one doesn't need any financial assistance or grants, would not need to find a job on arrival, and would require only technical / legal / administrative guidance en route to obtaining citizenship and legal residency?
3. Having legally arrived into Israel, how long, typically, does it take to acquire citizenship?
4. I have heard rumours that there is a new-ish fascist law requiring that the state necessarily be responsible for educating one's children. Is this true, and if it is, is there really no provision for families to arrange private home tuition that meets state-proposed syllabus criteria?
5. If not wanting to live near to a city, is it a simple matter, or otherwise, to obtain permission to purchase land and build an architecturally sympathetic house to one's own design? If this is a straightforward matter, are there any websites that can be suggested, please, that detail such land for sale?
6. Can remotely-located citizens acquire weapons licenses for home-defence without dangerously long delays?
7. If choosing to establish a business in Israel, what would be the taxes on company profits accrued from within the country?
Sincere gratitude is extended to anyone who is able to provide reliable information or simply share their perspectives.

Anonymous,
June 15, 2013 6:50 AM

Nobody in my family practices Judaism and my documentation of being Jewish is near non existent. In this case I would find a synagogue (Reform most likely, maybe Reconstructionist) and join the Temple as a Jew. Showing verifiable proof isn't needed. At least occasional attendance at services while not required I would recommend! With me, I actually had it set up with my Rabbis to study some with them and go through the Intro to Judaism process. In the end I receive an Affirmation of Judaism certificate! Its similar to a conversion, only for one who is already a Jew, and generally its not as hard (not for me) since my Rabbis know me and already know I'm a Jew! While this is not at all required its just an extra piece of mind especially since none of my family practices or have gone to other religions. However all you REALLY need to make alyiah is a letter from the rabbi at your temple stating he or she knows you and yes you are a Jew! The affirmation certificate only HELPS! IM also getting the certificate for my future kids if the ever question their identity later in life! By yeah my temple didn't ask for my papers to join, just that I was a Jew! I attend services a good deal myself even though my family doesn't! The letter from your Rabbi is considered the proof for your alyiah that you are a member. Orthodox and Conservative may require more then a Reform or Reconstructionist Rabbi however... Even though even a Reform letter submitted to NEFESH BNEFESH is all you will need as your proof of Judaism! I know you asked this a long time ago, but I hope I could help you or someone else... Good luck making Alyiah if you choose to!!

Anonymous,
June 15, 2013 6:52 AM

And by the way... If you make alyiah using a charter or group flight through nefesh bnefesh, citizenship is immediate once you land! :-)

(21)
Dylan Timm,
June 4, 2010 6:32 PM

Reply to number twenty.

A non-jew cannot make Aliyah, but can move to Israel, though it takes more time to become a citizen.

Raye,
June 15, 2013 6:37 AM

actually...

Actually a non-Jew CAN make Alyiah if they are making alyiah with their Jewish spouse... But only in this instance...

(20)
,
March 14, 2010 11:35 PM

Non-jew wants to make aliyah

anyone know hard it is to make aliyah if you aren't jewish?

(19)
Aviva,
February 9, 2010 10:08 PM

Why Israel 2

As far as making aliya later on in life, I know people who came to Israel over 50, over 60, and over 70 alone. I don't know their financial situation, but I know that they are just renting regular or small apartments. Also as English speakers, even if you don't learn Hebrew well, most Israelis are just dying to show off their English, so you'll have no problem in getting around.
On a more ominous note, the American economy is not looking good, youtube Peter Schiff: for what its worth he says put your dollars in any other currency, buy gold and that the US housing market will fall even further.
Rav Arush, says the time has come for American Jews to make aliya, and those who don't come very soon will be lucky to leave with a toobrush.
I don't really know about predictions, just passing on the message. I think the point is make aliya out of love and when your money is still worth something. Good luck.

(18)
Aviva,
February 9, 2010 9:48 PM

Why and how Israel 1

When I made aliya the aliya shaliach gave me incorrect information and basically messed up any aliya rights I had. It hurt a bit, but I got over it. Some assistance would have beens nice, but the dream was Israel, and thank Gd have been living here for over ten years, even without rights, let alone grants.
As far as housing costs, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are quite expensive for Israel, but just as you don't have to live in Manhattan or San Fransisco, to live in America, you can choose to live in many other much more affordable areas. Food is also much cheaper.
As for comment no15: I have heard the "Israel is not religious enough for me" argument from religious Jews who live in the exile. I find it totally specious and more of a salve to the conscience of its proponents. The weekly and yearly calendar is built around the Jewish religion, no knocking off work early "again", racing for shabbat, working on chol hamoed, the level of your children's jewish education will far surpass anything they learn in America (I have heard from American parents, that their 12 year old children are on a higher level of learning than 18 year olds from the best yeshivas in America), there are separate beaches for men and women, over 40% of the Jewish population is religiously observant (that's more than two million people!). Finally from a religious perspective, there is an imperative to live in Israel, not when it reaches your personal requirements, but whenever and as soon as you can.
Socially, people are very happy to hear that you have made aliya and are generally supportive. Is Israel an easy place to live? When you are used to certain Western standards, it can be absolutely frustrating at times, but then there are so many beautiful times, too many to mention, that you are are so happy and grateful to be here, that you learn how to not let it affect you. Admittedly, this takes some time, but it also gets easier. A lot of it is just managing expectations.

(17)
Anonymous,
January 31, 2010 12:43 AM

what to do

i learned only 15 years ago that my father was a sephardic jew. he died in 2004, with neither my siblings nor myself ever having met his family. he kept his jewish heritage a secret from us almost our entire lives. at any rate, i have begun contemplating a visit and possibly a move to israel, only to learn, as has been mentioned, that the grants and opporunities for those of jewish heriitage on either side of their family to visit israel or to receive an education there, are for the young only. so, this seems a little discriminatory to me.

(16)
tempo,
January 26, 2010 11:23 AM

comment 15

In regards to the previous comment, no. 15, i have to say that i cant comment about the financial, buoracratic side of israel, but i have just spent a year there and disagree about the religious side described by him. the religous life there is amazing, it is part of the framework of society, there are minyanim going in the bus station, the mall, the market. walking around jersalum, a good percentage have kippa and tizzit out, the kotel is not a far journey from most places in jerusalem where there are always many many jews to be found praying and learning - even after 1 am as i have been. the culture described by him seems from my experience to be limited to tel aviv's, jerusalem and many other cities and towns i visited have warm religious environments. the streets shut down on shabbat in a lot of areas, with kids playing and adults walking, expresses this enough. lastly, from my experience being religous is socially accepted... non religous are friends with religous and doesnt seem like people would take off kippa to fit in. peace

(15)
Realist,
January 23, 2010 11:07 PM

Take a balanced view

Most of your reasons to move to Israel are very subjective and not of a nature to cause a move to Israel (e.g Israel being a Jewish state after 2000 years and speaking Hebrew... what does that have to do with anything?)
Also several of your reasons are over-simplifications or misleadingly vague. Israel may be an ethnically Jewish country and you may not have to integrate into an ethnically Non-Jewish culture, but the culture of Israel itself is a toxic secular culture on a level that surpasses most areas in America. I have _NEVER_ seen 'adult stores' being openly advertised in the middle of an American Jewish community, nor have I seen 'adult' clubs and bars operating in broad daylight in the middle of American Jewish community, but both of these are not just commonplace in Israel, but are in _Jerusalem_!! Israeli culture desecrates all things that Judaism holds sacred and to act as if this is the most wholesome place to raise Jewish children is just a fallacy. Especially to advocate vacationing to the Dead Sea, where immodesty and immorality are very much present, is actually going against the core tenets of Orthodox Judaism.
A similar problem should be pointed out in regards to Jewish education. It may be cheap, but the quality of the schools, the environment they are raised in and the bureaucratic nightmare that IS Israel are a major counter balance to this. Stack this on top of a historically unstable job market and a weak overall economy and the cheapness becomes almost irrelevant.
If you are a religious Jew, especially an orthodox one, you will be be in a far more hostile political climate in secularist, anti-religious Israel than in America. Its a sad fact.
As far as intermarriage, any oleh should just remember that your children can make the trip back to America as easy as you made it to Israel and hundreds of Israelis make yeridah every year because the simple truth is that it is safer and easier to live in America.
Just a few thoughts..

(14)
moshe,
January 23, 2010 1:12 PM

Too costly to retire, espcially for the disabled.

I agree with anonymous January 2010. There are many of us "Baby Boom" Jews who are not wealthy. When I read about aliyah or talk to someone in Israel it becomes obvious that only the young and the rich are welcomed. Too bad I did not make the move when I was younger but then I was a Marine then I traveled. Now I would like to retire in Israel and find that I do not have enough money nor enough strength. Too bad for me. I regret not staying when I was there in 1970 but I had an obligation to the Corps. G-d bless all of you who are young enough and have enough money to live there.

(13)
Joseph,
January 19, 2010 9:50 PM

The reason Moshe wanted to make aliyah more than anything was simply because there are more mitzvot that a person can do there. (Tal. Sotah) If as King Solomon said, the whole reason why we are here is to learn torah and do mitzvot, then it seems counter to our life's purpose to stay in America. I think I'll do what the prophet said, Im making aliyah!

(12)
Rev.Borris Jovanovich,
January 17, 2010 8:15 PM

Why make Aliya

In my response saying -G-D Bless Israel and its nation trough out the world.Amen

(11)
Jon B,
January 13, 2010 7:23 AM

What puts a vast number of people off:

1) No jobs
2) Insane price of real estate

(10)
William Crudgington,
January 11, 2010 3:55 PM

Itis encouraging to read the enthusiastic comments of the writer. I concur with him. It is and will increasingly be the safest place for Jewish people to live with the increasing rise in the influence of radical Islam and rising antisemitism in UK and America. Primrarily though it is the Land allotted by HaShem for The Children of Israel to dwell in and enjoy His rich Blessing in. He is still Faithful to His Word.

(9)
Anonymous,
January 11, 2010 1:37 AM

Pushing 70

I tend to agree with the person who gets the feeling that only younger people are wanted in Israel. I'm pushing 70 and the only income I have is my social security. I am disabled. Nu? So what use would I be to Israel? I would like to visit first to see what it is like but I cannot even dream about ponying up the fare. I do not blame Israel for wanting young blood; the IDF needs youngsters who can protect the country. Israel's economy isn't exactly overflowing with surplus cash to help the older folks to pay for a look, I understand that. If I was younger, I would probably jump at the chance to move to Israel and spend my last years there. Alas, I don't think that was meant to be. It would be nice to be in a land where being a Jew is not...I was about to say where being a Jew doesn't make you a target but I guess that no matter where we are or where we go, we will always be targets until Moshiach gets here. I bear Israel no ill thoughts because of the situation; I think about Israel every day of my life. May she only go from strength to strength.

(8)
ruth,
January 10, 2010 7:07 PM

Jerusalem of Gold

Yes, Israel calls to me too, and when I visit I feel a depth of religious sentiment, of spirituality, in walking these streets, and in visiting these ancient places and monuments to a living past, that moves into the present. It's a presence, being in Jerusalem, being in Israel.
But I can say, in living here, in the Boston area, that I feel God and that same presence. I think God is about equality, and that is also about the land, the environment, and that wherever we are, perhaps we are, metaphorically, in Jerusalem, walking across the Bible, ourselves even bleeding on those cobblestones of history and herstory.
There is something unitary about all life, about all stories, about all land, and it's that feeling that sustains me, that brings Israel to me here, and me, to Israel.

(7)
adael ben levy,
January 10, 2010 6:27 PM

here is the link
http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php

(6)
Bryna Lee,
January 10, 2010 6:03 PM

that's why we're here in Israel as well!

Very well said. I love America as my birthplace, and the place where much of my family still resides, including my Mom, who I really miss. And yet we made aliyah last September for all of these reasons and everyday I am still in awe of having the privilege of living in Israel. We live in an amazing time and Israel is a great place for a Jew to be a part of it! Fellow Jews, come home, we're ready to welcome you.

(5)
Anonymous,
January 10, 2010 5:08 PM

You positive attitude is communicable in good way!

We all need concentrate on bright and joyful sides to be able to go through life turbulence.
Thank you very much!

(4)
Rachel,
January 10, 2010 4:36 PM

But how?

I don't speak or read modern Hebrew (although I can follow the siddur). I am older and any programs to help people make aliyah seem to be geared toward younger people. Even the various programs available to younger people to visit Israel free or at low cost are not available to middle-aged adults. So what do you suggest for someone in my situation? I get the feeling that Israel, understandably, only wants young healthy people, or else affluent older ones who won't need to get a job.

(3)
Dovid,
January 10, 2010 4:46 AM

Love this article! Amen!

Can't argue with a single point you make, and i don't want to. Makes me consider more seriously making the
move. thank you so much!

(2)
Anonymous,
January 8, 2010 5:05 PM

Thank you!

every reason brings us all a step closer to making the move- thank you for inspiring us to make this big step

(1)
Renee,
January 7, 2010 5:59 PM

Excellent article

There's only one thing missing: a link to information on how to go about makin aliyah!

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!